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FEMA Denies Funding To West Explosion Victims

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is still refusing to provide money to help rebuild the small Texas town where a deadly fertilizer plant explosion leveled numerous homes and schools, and killed 15 people.

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FEMA has, however, provides emergency funds to individual residents FEMA says that the impact from the explosion doesn’t warrant a major disaster declaration.

Sen. John Cornyn of Texas says this isn’t over yet.

“And he will aggressively pursue this matter with FEMA and pursue all appeals and remedies available to us. It’s just simply unacceptable. This was a disaster area and their failure to acknowledge it as such is just inexcusable.”

West Mayor Tommy Muska says the FEMA money was needed to cover $57 million in damage, including $40 million to rebuild a destroyed school.

Below is the letter from FEMA to Gov. Rick Perry

Gov. Rick Perry then issued the following statement:

“The day of the West memorial service, President Obama stood in front of a grieving community and told them they would not be forgotten. He said his administration would stand with them, ready to help. We anticipate the president will hold true to his word and help us work with FEMA to ensure much-needed assistance reaches the community of West.”

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